Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2011 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

A temperature inversion is forecast for Friday. Temperatures may reach or exceed the freezing mark in the alpine. Ice climbers should consider this especially on routes with south facing overhead hazard, ie loaded snow slopes and/or pillows.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable on Friday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

These slabs are sitting over a weak basal facet layer. Most large avalanches that have been observed recently have been on this layer. The layer is most easily triggered from shallow areas especially along the edge of fatter slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

This layer continues to settle and is becoming less of a concern. Steep cross loaded or lee slopes are likely trigger zones. Alpine snowpack depth remains highly variable. At treeline and below, travel is good.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2011 4:00PM